Volunteers are needed urgently at the Hamilton Churches Drop-in Centre (HCDIC).
The centre, located on Beckford Street, has been operating for around 28 years every evening from 7pm-8pm and previously offered a full three-course meal of soup, main, dessert and a hot or soft drink.
However, since the beginning of the pandemic the centre was initially been set to close for the duration. But, at an emergency meeting, the trustees and volunteers decided to keep it open, and serve the visitors through the door, in a soup kitchen style, ensuring complete social distancing, as per legal restrictions.
The centre has since had a make-over, including the dining room being painted, the kitchen deep-cleaned and new curtains will be going up after the rest of the work on the floors is complete.
And now that all restrictions are being lifted in April, the committee of trustees are holding discussions with current volunteers on how they feel about the prospect of returning to the café sit-in style.
But, to prepare for a re-opening of full services, the centre requires a team of at least four volunteers every night. Currently, there are a minimum of two needed in managing the serving area at the door, the cooking and plating up of food, as well as putting together a ‘goodie bag’ for the visitors to take away with them or handing out free clothes and footwear.
A spokeswoman for the HCDIC said: "We currently have around 70 volunteers on the books, but many of the previous volunteers are elderly, vulnerable or immune deficient and have chosen to step-away. Therefor we’re having a recruitment drive to bring in new volunteers to work alongside current teams.
"You don’t need any experience and induction training and support will be given. We have a few university graduates on the team who are gaining valuable work experience in various areas: running a kitchen, serving food, managing, sorting, and giving out clothes, arranging and helping in the food store and interacting with the homeless and the hungry.
"Plans are afoot to put session team leaders through a short course - Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene certificate. We are also happy to bring on board people who have already completed this certificate.
Sandra Walls, volunteer secretary added: “I have only been involved with the Drop-in Centre since the pandemic began, so I have never worked in the drop-in Centre when the visitors came inside to enjoy their meal and the company of others.
“It is very rewarding and a privilege to be involved in the charity and serving people who are hungry or homeless and need support that most of us take for granted.”
The centre, once re-opened, will be able to provide, laundry self-serve washing machine and dryer, shower and toilet facilities, a warm and safe environment to enjoy a meal, and be able to ask for further help with information on housing, benefits, food banks and banking for people with no fixed abode. There is also has a bookshelf where visitors can choose books to read and return.
Current volunteers are invited to join the AGM to hear of plans and new information, as well as anyone interested in volunteering. The AGM will take place on Wednesday, March 9 at Hamilton Old Parish Church, 3 Strathmore Road, ML3 6AQ at 7pm.
Those who are unable to attend the meeting, but are interested in volunteering, should contact volunteer coordinator Sharon Leckie at: sharon.leckie@hotmail.com or center manager Dougie Walls 0777 857 0016 or email: dougiewalls@hotmail.com
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